What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters that are not allowed in URLs into a format that can be transmitted. For example, spaces become %20.

When do I need to URL encode?

Always encode query string values before appending them to a URL to prevent injection and ensure proper parsing.

What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURI encodes a full URL and preserves characters like /, ?, &. encodeURIComponent encodes individual components and also encodes those characters.

Is URL encoding the same as Base64?

No. URL encoding uses % followed by hex codes. Base64 is a completely different binary-to-text encoding scheme.

Does URL decoding handle %20 and + for spaces?

%20 is the standard URL encoding for space. The + character represents a space only in HTML form data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded), not in general URLs.

Free URL Encoder & Decoder Online

Percent-encode or decode URLs and query strings as you type. Switch between full-URL and component encoding, with changed characters highlighted.

Encode full URL (preserve / ? & #)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?: URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters that are not allowed in URLs into a format that can be transmitted. For example, spaces become %20.
When do I need to URL encode?: Always encode query string values before appending them to a URL to prevent injection and ensure proper parsing.
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?: encodeURI encodes a full URL and preserves characters like /, ?, &. encodeURIComponent encodes individual components and also encodes those characters.
Is URL encoding the same as Base64?: No. URL encoding uses % followed by hex codes. Base64 is a completely different binary-to-text encoding scheme.
Does URL decoding handle %20 and + for spaces?: %20 is the standard URL encoding for space. The + character represents a space only in HTML form data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded), not in general URLs.